Newest Lottery Millionaire Identified In Hudson Valley

WOODSTOCK, NY — The newest New York Lottery millionaire is Robert Burhans, 62, of Woodstock in Ulster County. He received his $1 million prize Thursday at Stewart’s Shops in Kingston.

He matched the first five numbers drawn from the July 10 Mega Millions game, earning him the second prize.

Burhans said he only plays Mega Millions when the jackpots are really high.

He said he was on his way home from Kingston when he stopped at the convenience store for some soda.

“So I decided to buy my ticket while I was there,” Burhans said.

He checked his numbers the next day and knew right away he was a big winner.

“The numbers started matching up and I knew I won,” Burhans said. “I signed the ticket right away and drove to the Lottery to claim the prize.”

The $1 million Mega Millions second prize is paid as a one-time lump sum payment.

Burhans will receive a net check totaling $671,800 after required withholdings.

When asked how it feels to win, he said, “At least now I can’t say I’ve never won.”

Burhans said he plans to use his winnings to plan a nice vacation. “It just feels nice not to have to worry about money anymore.”

The winning ticket was purchased at Stewart’s Shops at 268 Broadway in Kingston.

Burhans is the 78th New York Lottery player to claim a prize totaling $1,000,000 or more this year.

The winning Mega Millions numbers for the July 10 drawing were 1-17-28-56-70 Mega Ball 14.

Photo credit: NY Lottery.